David Smith American, 1906-1965 Untitled, 1957 Inscribed 75.57.18 on the reverse Oil on masonite 7 7/8 x 11 7/8 inches (20 x 30.16 cm) Provenance: Estate of the artist [Knoedler Gallery, New York] Acquired from the above by the current owner, circa 1995 Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Candida Smith (daughter of the artist), estate number CA21413. In a letter written to the current owner on her personal stationery, Ms. Smith discusses the work by her father: "The David Smith painting which you have acquired has always been in the collection of the artist, or after my father's death, in the estate of the artist. Its authenticity is utterly beyond question. As to the content and reference of this painting, I have more to say. The totemic, (my father's word) nature of the work was pursued in sculptural form, such as the hero pieces, the tank totems and the sentinels. You might be interested to know that he grouped his works informed each other, spoke to each other. You must know that he saw his work - painting, drawing, and sculpture, as a stream - unbroken and continuous. One may dip a hand in and partake of it, but it does not alter the stream. He made many drawings of the similar totemic images. These are very well known and sought after. There are extremely few paintings - maybe three or four. These, such as the one that interests you, must have been very special to him. As to what the totemic image meant to him, I can only give you a personal and not necessarily scholarly insight. David Smith was a brave artist, a man who dared to reveal himself through his work. He stood tall and strong and alone - and exposed in all of his facets. This is the greatest achievement of an artist - to show us complete courage of the soul. In grouping these totems, it is like: boom-boom-boom-boom. An extremely strong statement. The soul holds erect against the driving force of the compromises of life again and again. I thank you sincerely for the interest you have shown in hearing more about the history of the painting. If you would like to discuss the work or any related issue, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your attention. Yours, Candida Smith" C
Cracquelure in tan pigments. Three 1/2 inch losses at lower left. A 1/4 x 1/8 inch loss at upper center. Surface dirt.
David Smith American, 1906-1965 Untitled, 1957 Inscribed 75.57.18 on the reverse Oil on masonite 7 7/8 x 11 7/8 inches (20 x 30.16 cm) Provenance: Estate of the artist [Knoedler Gallery, New York] Acquired from the above by the current owner, circa 1995 Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Candida Smith (daughter of the artist), estate number CA21413. In a letter written to the current owner on her personal stationery, Ms. Smith discusses the work by her father: "The David Smith painting which you have acquired has always been in the collection of the artist, or after my father's death, in the estate of the artist. Its authenticity is utterly beyond question. As to the content and reference of this painting, I have more to say. The totemic, (my father's word) nature of the work was pursued in sculptural form, such as the hero pieces, the tank totems and the sentinels. You might be interested to know that he grouped his works informed each other, spoke to each other. You must know that he saw his work - painting, drawing, and sculpture, as a stream - unbroken and continuous. One may dip a hand in and partake of it, but it does not alter the stream. He made many drawings of the similar totemic images. These are very well known and sought after. There are extremely few paintings - maybe three or four. These, such as the one that interests you, must have been very special to him. As to what the totemic image meant to him, I can only give you a personal and not necessarily scholarly insight. David Smith was a brave artist, a man who dared to reveal himself through his work. He stood tall and strong and alone - and exposed in all of his facets. This is the greatest achievement of an artist - to show us complete courage of the soul. In grouping these totems, it is like: boom-boom-boom-boom. An extremely strong statement. The soul holds erect against the driving force of the compromises of life again and again. I thank you sincerely for the interest you have shown in hearing more about the history of the painting. If you would like to discuss the work or any related issue, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your attention. Yours, Candida Smith" C
Cracquelure in tan pigments. Three 1/2 inch losses at lower left. A 1/4 x 1/8 inch loss at upper center. Surface dirt.
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
Try LotSearch and its premium features for 7 days - without any costs!
Be notified automatically about new items in upcoming auctions.
Create an alert
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
